Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Logo Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

This one got away

But don't worry, we still have an incredible selection of pre-loved bargains waiting for you to discover!

Discover now

01223 242684 /ArthurRankHospiceCharity @ArthurRankHouse @arthur_rank_hospice
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Logo
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 1
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 2
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 3
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 4
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 5
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 6
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 7
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 8
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 9
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 10
    Open Full-Size Image
  • Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D 620 format Box Camera, 1953-1957, black and silver 11
    Open Full-Size Image

Description

Originally brought to market in 1937, the Kodak Six-20 was a high-quality box camera featuring significant improvements over earlier models and, unlike the cheaper wood-and-cardboard offerings, rugged all-metal construction. This example features the art deco-inspired black and silver frontplate which was first introduced in 1953, and is thus a late example dating to between that year and the end of production in 1957.

Although the Six-20 retained the simple meniscus lens of earlier models, it was fitted with a far more sophisticated leaf shutter whcih, looking in through the lens, resembles those on modern cameras far more than it does the rudimentary shutters on previous Brownies. Shutter speed is set to (approximately, as there tends to be a high degree of variation with vintage cameras) 1/50th sec with bulb also offered, and aperture at f/11. However, it does feature a selectable second meniscus lens permitting subjects close to the camera to be photographed: pull out the metal tab labelled "CLOSE UP" just above the shutter button and the lens slides into place, bringing subjects closer than 10 feet into focus, push it back in and the lens withdraws so that subjects further than 10 feet are in focus. It's a simple system which works, but the thin metal tab is frequently bent and jams in place - not so on this example, however, which is working perfectly.

Another very welcome improvement on this model was the very large twin viewfinders. On some earlier models, these were so small that aiming the camera and composing the scene were largely relegated to guesswork, but on the Six-20 they're 1 x 0.75" (2.54 x 2cm) which makes actually seeing anything through them far easier. As tends to be the case with box cameras, there is significant dust inside these ones, but thanks to their large size and clear optics they remain fully usable. The lens has a small mark, but this is unlikely to be noticeable on standard size photos and will be only minor if photos are enlarged. The secondary close-up lens is dirty and will benefit from a good clean which, thanks to the simplicity of these cameras, is an easy task to perform. All functions are fully operational and the flash contacts (another new feature for this model) are both clean and intact.

The body is in good shape without dents and shows no signs of light leakage (unfortunately we don't have any 620 film to test it, but bench testing with a bright light source suggests it's sound). There is some minor scuffing to the painted metal at the front and rear and a very small dent in the frontplate, but no serious damage to be seen. The leather-effect coating is intact and free of holes and peeling; however, the presence of "zits", most notably on the outer surface of the film compartment door, indicated that there may some very minor corrosion underneath. The red window, which allows the exposure number to be seen, are intact; so too is the leather carrying handle.

Inside, the camera is in excellent condition and still retains its bright yellow sticker advising owners to use Kodak film. There is some very minor paint loss where the film caddy has scraped the sides, but there is no rust, dust or other issues and the film guide rollers rotate smoothly.

The original carrying case, made of brown fabric with a leather shoulder strap, is included. Unusually, the owner's manual is also in the case and, though a little discoloured, is complete and in very good condition; even more unusual is the camera's original cardboard packaging, which nestles neatly in the carrying case - it's very tatty with numerous rips, but the text and images on it are clearly legible and is a rare survival.

All in all, this is a fully working camera in very good condition which, due to being such a complete example one of the last of the box cameras which had dominated the affordable camera market for more than sixty years, also has historical value. Please note that the final photo is a composite depicting the box from several angles; one box is supplied

Dimensions (W x L x H): 9 x 12 x 11cm (3.5 x 4.75 x 4.3")

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice supports people in Cambridgeshire living with a life-limiting illness and those who need end-of-life care. Our services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.

If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.

Donate via Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Profile

We only accept payments via PayPal for items sold through eBay, or cash and credit/debit card if the item is to be collected. If paying via PayPal, please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within three working days.

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.

Domestic Delivery

We aim to dispatch orders within three working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.

We use Hermes to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.

Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which requires a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.

International Delivery

International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.

For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.

Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Retail Hub Sawston Map
Show in Google Maps

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.

Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items.

About Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Its 'Outstanding' services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. The aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

More than 4,100 patients are cared for each year at the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients' own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. This care supports people to improve their quality of life and fulfil their end of their life choices.

Alongside the care provided by the Inpatient Unit, Day Therapy and Hospice at Home teams, patients can access: patient and family support; lymphoedema care; complementary therapy; medical and pain outpatient clinics; and advice from the clinical nurse specialists within the Specialist Palliative Care Home Team. Programmes are practical, holistic and tailored to the individual patient, family member or carer and may also include rehabilitative support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support.

It will cost £8.56 million in 2020/2021 to run services, which are provided free of charge to patients and their loved ones. £4.29 million has currently been secured from the NHS, meaning that £4.27 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising activities and trading. The Charity is extremely grateful to the local community for the continual dedication, commitment and generosity they show in supporting towards meeting this target.